Embrace the Ordinary :: vol 20

Once a season, my parents host our four oldest kids at their house for a sleepover.  Last night was the "winter" sleepover :)  

The wonderfulness of the sleepover is two-fold - our children get special alone time with Papa and Grandma, and Russ and I get a much-appreciated break from our children (whom we love totally and unconditionally, but from whom we also appreciate a break once in a while :)  )

Though we're home with James, Russ and I manage to make the most of our nights "alone"!  Last night was no exception...  

I had planned a surprise dinner and dessert.  I had hoped Russ would grill out, but after I spring the plan on him, he informed me we were out of charcoal (the downside to planning a surprise and assuming your in-the-dark partner is prepared for it ;) ).  Instead we had oven-roasted veggies and beef fillets with wild rice.  So tasty!  And then we had s'mores by the fireside!  It was delightful!

You know what they say...  When the children are away, the parents will play.... and work.  Yes, this morning we woke up early to get stuff done around the house - the things we never seem to get to while the kids are around. 

Never underestimate date nights at home!  For us, they're just as rejuvenating for our marriage and mood as when we get to go out and do something out of the ordinary.  After all, home is where most of this crazy and blessed life happens, so it's fitting to reconnect and refresh here!

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“…there is something holy, something divine hidden in 

the most ordinary situations, 

and it is up to each one of you to discover it.”  

St. Josemaria Escriva, Passionately Loving the World

Head over to Someday (hopefully) They'll be Saints to visit with Gina and to read more stories (or to share your own!) about embracing the incredibly ordinary, sublimely beautiful moments of everyday life.